Juventus Vs Villarreal: Like A Final For Massimiliano Allegri

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri. (Photo: Twitter/@juventusfcen)

JAKARTA - Juventus will host Villarreal at the Allianz Arena in the second leg of the Champions League last 16, Thursday, March 17, early Indonesian Western Time (WIB). Juventus only need a 0-0 draw to qualify for the next round.

Juventus have good capital after the first leg drew 1-1 at home to Villarreal. However, Juventus coach, Massimiliano Allegri, did not want to let his guard down.

The Italian coach still considers this as a final that must be won.

"We must have the ambition to go as far as possible. Tomorrow is like a final at home, so there will definitely be a positive atmosphere," said Allegri, as quoted by Antara from the official UEFA website, Wednesday, March 16.

Allegri did not deny, the match will be difficult, especially Villarreal were able to show an extraordinary struggle in the first leg.

The 54-year-old coach then praised the slick performance that was recently shown by Alvaro Morata. However, he reminded that at this time his team had not proven anything.

"Morata is in a period of extraordinary form, and at the moment, almost all the players are also performing well. We are slowly getting closer, but have not achieved anything," he said.

Meanwhile, Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli called for his teammates to remain cautious in the second leg despite having an advantage. According to him, Villarreal is a strong team and plays very well on the ball.

"So we have to stay alert and play mature. We will be ready," he said. "The Champions League is something different and exciting, but we have the right mentality."